What is HTTP and HTTPS and What is the Difference?
Last Updated: April 29, 2024
In the digital age, online security is crucial. When browsing the web, interacting with websites and carrying out online transactions, it is essential to ensure that your data is protected. This is where the HTTP and HTTPS protocols come into play.
Table of Contents
What is HTTP?
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the basis of communication on the web. It is the protocol that governs how browsers and web servers exchange information. When you type a web address into your browser’s address bar, it sends an HTTP request to the corresponding web server. The server responds with the requested web page, which is then displayed in your browser.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is a secure version of HTTP. It uses encryption to secure communications between your browser and the web server, ensuring your data is safe from interception and eavesdropping.
What is the Difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
The main difference between HTTP and HTTPS is security. HTTP does not offer encryption, which means anyone on the network can intercept and read the data you send and receive. This includes confidential information such as passwords, credit card data and personal information.
HTTPS, on the other hand, uses encryption to protect data during transmission. This means that even if someone intercepts your communication, they will not be able to read your data.
Advantages of HTTPS:
- Security: Protects your data against interception and espionage.
- Trust: Ensure that you are communicating with the legitimate website and not an impostor.
- SEO: The websites that use HTTPS rank better in Google search results.
- User Experience: Some browsers mark HTTP websites as insecure, which can prevent users from visiting them.
How do you know if a website is using HTTPS?
The easiest way to check if a website is using HTTPS is to look at your browser’s address bar. If the address starts with “https://”, the website is using HTTPS. You can also look for a lock icon in the address bar.
How to make the switch to HTTPS?
If you own a website, it’s important to switch to HTTPS as soon as possible. There are several services available that can help you make this change. To do this, you just need to have an SSL certificate installed on your website.
As a rule, hosting companies already include the SSL certificate in their plans, due to the current importance of data protection. Companies like NameCheap (where I have my websites installed), even install the certificate automatically when implementing the hosting account.
Conclusion
HTTP and HTTPS are essential protocols for communication on the web. However, HTTPS is the most secure option and should be used whenever possible. By using websites with HTTPS, You can ensure that your data is protected and that you are communicating with legitimate websites.
*(This article was written entirely by a Human, without any use of Artificial Intelligence (except for creating or editing images). For more details read my Humanity Statement)
**(May Contain Affiliate Links. It means I may earn a commission every time you click on one of the external links, but do not worry. There is no additional cost to you, on the contrary, Sometimes you can even have extra benefits and discounts. And you will be helping to maintain the blog. For more detailed information consult my Affiliate Disclosure Statement)
